AutoPartsAsia | OCTOBER 2017 | 61M
ahindra Group and Ford
Motor Company will
explore a strategic alliance,
designed to leverage
the benefits of Ford’s global reach
and expertise and Mahindra’s
scale in India and successful
operating model. The agreement
between the two companies
will allow each to leverage their
mutual strengths during a period
of unprecedented transformation
in the global automotive industry.
The areas of potential cooperation
include, among others:Mobility
programmes, Connected vehicle
projects, Electrification and Product
development.
Teams from both the companies will
collaborate and work together for
a period of up to three years. Any
further strategic cooperation between
the two companies will be decided at
the end of that period.
“Ford is committed to India and this
alliance can help us deliver the best
vehicles and services to customers
while profitably growing in the world’s
fifth largest vehicle market,” Jim
Farley, Ford Executive Vice President
and President of Global Markets,
said.
“Our two companies have a long
history of cooperation and mutual
respect. The memorandum of
understanding we have signed today
with Mahindra will allow us to work
together to take advantage of the
changes coming in the auto industry.
The enormous growth potential in
the utility market and the growing
importance of mobility and affordable
battery electric vehicles are all
aligned with our strategic priorities,”
he said.
Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing
Director, Mahindra &Mahindra
Ltd, said:“The changes facing the
automotive industry globally are
triggered by the accelerated rise
of new technologies, sustainability
policies and new models of urban
shared mobility. Given these changes,
we see the need to anticipate new
market trends, explore alternatives
and look for ways to collaborate
even as we compete and build
powerful synergies that will allow
rapid exploitation of exciting new
opportunities. Today’s announcement
builds on the foundation laid through
our past partnership with Ford and
will open opportunities for both of
us.”e-Alfa Mini
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched
the e-Alfa Mini, its zero emission,
new electric rickshaw for passenger
movement. The e-Alfa Mini with a 4+1
seating capacity is a complete three-
wheeler designed specifically for
Indian conditions. It will further drive
the company’s vision of the Future of
Mobility and is available in Delhi at an
ex-showroom price of Rs 1.12 lakh.
The e-Alfa Mini is best suited for
last mile connectivity and intra-citypeople movement. It is the ideal
choice for fleet taxi operators and the
existing three-wheeler owners and
will effectively provide employment
to the youth. The e-Alfa Mini has
an attractive exterior design,
robust body, large cabin space for
passenger comfort and superior
suspension and chassis. With all
these features, the e-Alfa Mini scores
highly over its competitors.Rajan Wadhera, President,
Automotive Sector, Mahindra &
Mahindra, said, “As the pioneer
of electric vehicles and integrated
mobility solutions in India, it has
always been our endeavour to make
electric vehicles more accessible
and best suited for Indian conditions.
The launch of the e-Alfa Mini is yet
another step to provide an emission-
free, green mode of safe intra-city
transportation in the country.”
At the launch, Mahindra is offering
2- year vehicle warranty, low down-
payment and attractive EMI and
one free battery replacement.All
these benefits to the customer will
be available with select finance
options and will help customers to
maximize their earnings. The e-Alfa
Mini is powered by a 120Ah battery,a powerful motor and controller.
Charging the e-Alfa Mini is as simple
as charging a mobile phone. On a
full charge, it can travel for up to 85
km in standard conditions and can
achieve a top speed of 25 kmph. It
will be launched in a phased manner
in select cities – NCR with immediate
effect, followed by Kolkata and
Lucknow and subsequently in several
other parts of the country.Dr Pawan Goenka with e-Alfa MiniMahindra, Ford Join For New Mobility Projects
APA Bureau